The French Federation released this press release yesterday stating that “MOROZOV will prepare the choreography of Florent AMODIO’s both programs for the next season in New York starting June 10th.” They also explicitly said that the press release was meant to “close the rumors speaking about the end of their cooperation.” With Morozov being a special coach to the skaters of Mother Russia, it seems that his non-Russian skaters will have to give their coaching appointment a bit of thought, seeing that Morozov has relocated to, I believe, Moscow and will put his focus on the Russian skaters.

The problem at the moment for Florent is not the rumours of a coaching change but whether or not Morozov has anything to offer him. At the moment, I feel as if Florent has done all he can do with Morozov. Sure, he’s European champion now, but that doesn’t mean very much when the men he wants to take down are from Japan and Canada. Artur Gachinski’s bronze was the result of a competition riddled with horrendous or stupid mistakes and perhaps a good dose of hometown (a la Mother Russia) advantage. (In other words, his achievement did not come from his own hands – and feet – but from the hands of others. Not a competitor you want to be, even if it does mean winning something.) At the same time, Florent can definitely do a lot better than Morozov choreography. Sure, his LP this season was entertaining…

…but it’s clearly front-loaded with tons of random posing. Florent is super talented and I would like to see him push himself even further. I don’t usually recommend Brian Orser but the Orser/Wilson pair may do well for him in order to polish up his technical skating AND unleash his creativity with clever and well-constructed programs. As well, Orser no longer has a star male pupil to concentrate on, so whichever goes to him now has a chance to be his priority (which comes with a fair amount of politicking, I suspect). Furthermore, Florent deserves this kind of political and technical support. He may not have Brian Joubert’s high cheekbones but he’s an adorable personality with a touching backstory that can sell. The French Federation has yet to throw all of their support behind Florent but a coaching change followed by improvement and good results could solidify his position as the #1 French man.

Then again, we don’t quite know the reasoning behind the decision and my opinions are after all, my opinions. Who knows what the future will bring.